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IDCC ch.54 part 6 - Awkward (Patreon)

Published:
2025-06-12 23:00:05
Edited:
2025-07-03 13:35:39
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:

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amy-may

IM GONNA BE SICK.

mimi

You guys 😭😭😭😭😭

candyflossnfp

My son pls don’t cry I’ll cry too

mandi

WHAT

lulu

Okay just stab me in my heart and just let the blood gush out??

levi!

SOUTA GET BEHIND ME 🤺🤺

doingus

SO HE DOES KNOW!.’savahakab?..’bd hi so WHT HT THE YE WHAG THE WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO??????

Mo

WHAT

Kaido

EUGHHH MY HEART JUST RIP IT OUTTA ME😭😭 I'm crying, nooo

MJ

Welp 😭

Tori

Little did he know things had already changed.

Rishi

I’m actually gonna cry rn…

ky

AAAAAAAAAAH

Milo

A dream?!?

Mo

holy shit i did not expect this

Anthonn

So he did hear what he said😭🙏

Am

Omg. Ow. ouch. My heart. I honestly understand where Nao is coming from, and obviously he has to go by his feelings but POOR SOUTA. Nao's been low-key leading the poor guy on, considering everything that's happened. one final OUCHHHH 💔

DearNeptune!

Not the sad trembles! 😭😭😭 Thanks for the confirmation. Now I can form my theories with the right frame of mind.

Phia

No. no no no. NOOO WHAT NO MISCOMMUNICATION NOTHING JUST REJECTION

Katie

OUGH. 😭 HANG IN THERE EVERYONE, WE'RE IN FOR A BUMPY RIDE

Ximinnie

WAIT WHAT? HE DID UNDERSTAND???? What’s going on omg

july

SO HE UNDERSTOOD IT WAS A CONFESSION

KBird

Oh my precious soft boys 😭💛

Maycea

Oh I straight up thought it was a misunderstanding… I WAS UNFORTUNATELY MISTAKEN

catberg

yea we're crying ourselves to sleep tonight fellas

Graham C

no because what do you mean he understood the whole time???????😭😭😭

ky

OWWWWWW

Hudders

Ohhhh my gawd oh my god oh my godddd

Cyber

I think Nao is more worried about messing things up on his part, like he’s not rejecting his feeling, he shares those feelings but he has such a fear of relationships due to his childhood that he doesn’t want to mess up the one good relationship he already has. ALSO AINA RESPECTFULLY F*CK U FOR THAT LAST PANEL IM ALREADY RECEIVING ENOUGH PAIN ON SOUTAS BEHALF.

Madeleine

You’re hurting me!!! We’ve been so patient!!!! 😭😭😭

Grace

NOOOOOO MY BABY. NAO WTF. IDK IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SAYING OR NOT BUT YOU WERE THE ONE FLIRTING. AND GUESS WHAT THINGS ARE ALREADY CHANGED.😭😭😭😭

Koda

SOMEONE CALL 911 IM HAVING A HEART ATTACK

Mercy

It’s not even him saying he doesn’t like him, just that he can’t handle change 😭😭😭

july

Souta don’t worry I am crying just as hard as you

mandi

Omg omg omg omg

Ava

Noooo, don't cry Souta! 💔

Meg

The zoom on his mouth 😭😩 I am unwell!!!!!!!!

Becca P.

this is nOT WHERE I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING THIS WEEK AAAAAAAAA

Clarissa R.

Not me immediately about to cry. Geez. 🥹

Shana Lynn

😭😭 nooo not fair. Poor Souta.

Goshdarnit

Nao rage baiting asl YOU LITERALLY LEAD HIM ON IN THE CLOWN AND THE ROCK STAR CHAPTER

Myri

So he did understand loool me is crying in the corner

Jaceyb1121

I will cry RIGHT NOW

Koda

I HAVE NO ONE TO TALK TO ABOUT THIS

Ragpie

WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT

Roy

This is gonna hurt and I’m looking forward to it but also NO IM NOT, THIS IS GONNA HURT 😭😭 ugh, I love this comic 🥲

mars

FUCK

Pwola

Having an out of body experience (I removed my brain from my skull)

Artemis mckee

WHAT! NOOOOOO SHOUTA DONT CRYYYYYY!!!

Natali

These keep hurting more and more omg

Martha M

ARE U KIDDING ME 😭 we were really being delusional this whole time huh

Yaya

That's it, Nao is grounded! He'll be staring at a wall until he decides to be gay person we want

Bean

Today is my birthday. This is straight up so rude to do today. Really any day. But for real??

deathbyaeth3r (edited)

Comment edits

2026-09-06 16:00 Oh- that’s not… during pride month is crazy 😭
2025-06-12 23:03

Lisa

But it’s already changed!!! 😭 soutas gonna cry 😭😭😭

Rachel Winters

A little too late for that now Nao! Ugh I hope Souta meets someone else and moves on and Nao realizes his mistake when it’s already too late. 😡

Martha M

crying screaming throwing up I can’t do this anymore aina

Anako

I’m okay, it’s okay, it’s fine, ITS FINE GUYS ITS FINE DONT CRASH OUT

buthowboutno

Why don’t you just stab me in the heart next time

Keisha O

MAYBE BOTH?!?!?!?! I could throw my phone across the room.

Angelina Aleman

WHAT DID I JUST READ HELLO???!???🤯🤯🤯

Valeria

I just got my heart broken

Jun ClawsRW

Oh so he does like him and this kinda is a confession but he doesn't want to lose him then

amy-may

during pride month too….😭

mafusphere

i knew he didn’t misunderstand him god but this hurts💔💔

Kaden U

My poor boy 😭😭

Amanda S.

I wish someone can just love on our boy Souta 😭 hope we can have a new character interested in Souta. BECAUSE LORDDDD

Mr.Nobody

Stay strong king😭

🧸

OH !

mimi

The way it wasn't a misunderstanding 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

BiliousBecca

Nao looks so heartbroken saying that though... he's hurting himself and Souta by doing this... Nao, sweetie, you deserve to be happy! You deserve to be loved!! Just let Souta love you 😭😭😭😭

doingus

“ROMANTIC COMEDY” AINA ARE YOU KIDDING ME.

Rin Uzumaki

I was not prepared 😭 like I still think there's some miscommunication happening, but Ahhh

Stacy Price

How can I wait a whole week after THIS 😭😭😭

Pikturit

But they already have.

JayJay

Whattttttttttt

donk

out of all theories, this might have been the worst outcome 😭 so in the end nao really did understand the confession. sigh 💔

Rishi

Wait are they seriously talking about the same thing 😭💔

Quint James

Ooohhhhhh. It's not that he doesn't like him, it's that Souta is his only real close friend and he don't want to lose that or mess that up. THIS is fine. I'm ok with this. Aina I'm back on yo side.

JayJay

Let me refresh my page because no way that just happened 😬

Olive

Damn, here I really thought it was just a misunderstanding T_T My heart can't handle this

Bella

OH MY GOD THIS WAS THE WORST CASE SCENARIO and this physically made me groan sounds of sadness😭💔As terrible as it sounds, I want Souta to cry or express himself somehow so he doesn’t keep it all in and Keisuke can comfort him🥲

Charlie

You could've at least kissed the brick before throwing it in my face 😭😭 Though, I understand what Nao is saying, especially since being gay isnt really accepted where they are

Alex

Romantic comedy my ass this got me sobbing 😭

Juststuff23

I beg your finest pardon?

Siri
>>177058529

Like so respectfully screw it you don’t need it to be this good

mimi

Fell to my knees

edenjay

ouuuugh i was already feeling and hurting for souta last week, times that by ten this week. oh souta, honey... 😭

Nikki Morrow

Wait...what...no...I didn't prepare for this. My heart hurts. My boys are suppose to be in love...I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS....

Aud

Ok but he didn’t say he isn’t attracted to guys or that he doesn’t like him 👀 he just doesn’t want to lose their friendship which I totally understand but oh mannnnn this hurts. During pride month too!! 😭

TaySteeg
>>177058666

I feel you, she fucked up my birthday back in October too. I was out to dinner when she updated. Instant devastation.

hannie

SEE IT WASNT A MISUNDERSTANDING.. BUT THIS IS WORSE!! also I need a nao pov so BADDDD

Carolyn Tuttle

Aina thank you for this chapter, I'm sure this hurts you too 💔

Pandyakuza

Ayoooo ??? Am I supposed to go sleeping after that ?? Aina ? Why ? WHYYYYYY ? 😭😭😭😭

Caitlin

I anxiously wait for these every week but man… I might have to take a break. This is killing me 😭😭

Anako

Alright I’m crashing out now

kal

wait. wait wait wait i thought it was j a huge misunderstanding and you’re telling me it WASNT ????? oh fuvk me

Forest

NOOOO😭💔💔

Marisa Arambula

Okay let’s just throw out every theory! My heart can’t take it!! We need more!!!!

Ash

i wanna go back to the delusional person i was before this update please😭 PLEASE

Otome Laundry

That's it I'm uninstalling Patreon, or at least turning off notifications. I can't take this.

Tink

Nao did understand! I knew it! I understand I genuinely get it, Souta is sooo important to him and he scared he's about potentially ruinning this friendship forever I get it I do but ughhhhh!!! Is Souta gonna cry???? Awww Souta <\3

Kaido
>>177058435

Author/Artist, imma need an extra/side episode of us readers comforting Souta😭☹️my homeboy needs some support about now😭🙏LOL, anyways W episode and thank you for this story🙂‍↕️🙏

Julia VanderPoel

Im still thinking there is a miscommunication going... I mean Nao almost kissed souta at one point and there were moments when Nao looked jealous.... but this is maybe me hoping... But oohhh, souta is breaking here. Too many arrows to the heart. He gonna have a hard time keeping a straight face and playing it cool 💔💔💔

Mo
>>177059287

i’m right there with ya. life hurts enough without this😭

Zarrytan

So Nao didn't misunderstand and has been trying to process Souta's semi confession all this time. On one hand, I can appreciate Nao being honest with Souta because he doesn't deserve to be lead on by false hope. Maybe now he can really focus on accepting himself and his feelings. But really Aina, when can our boy get some (romantic) love of his own? 😭

taimeow

Ok I get what Nao is saying but that wording makes it so much worse 😭

Nie

bye 🚶🏻‍♀️

Sekai

Hey girl! What the fuck 😃

Emil

Good Luck, Babe!

Awphinesse

Anyways I'm expecting a check in the mail for my therapy expenses Aina thank you very much 😭

Stupidest Cupid

I think Souta is gonna find someone ready and then Nao is gonna get jealous but hopefully the time with the rebound teaches Souta the importance of balanced relationships and then they have a healthy partnership and fly off into the sunset like let’s pray guys

Sutton

During pride month??????

Ash

this ruined my whole week and the weeks to come😭 i was still holding onto the thread of hope that it was a misunderstanding and that Nao truly didn’t understand the confession. But the fact that he did and he outright rejected Souta like this, hurts more than anything. I know Nao has a good reason because let’s all face it, we know he feels the same way but something is holding him back. Still doesn’t make this hurt any less. Souta, I’m right there with you in that last panel😭😭

eemmao

Where do we even go from here?

taimeow
>>177059401

Also Nao is going to learn REAL QUICK that things have already changed between them. Souta can’t “go back to what they were” because he has (pretty much) always liked Nao as more than a friend.

lulu

happy pride month to you too ig

rae

i just love angst so much i'm living rn

Gutokun

I just want to see him fckn jealous now

ray

Souta, you have every right to be mad & upset.

JaiAHHH

Don’t want things to change????? YOU TRIED TO KISS HIM TWICE WDYMMM?!!?

choco_milk6969

UGH! At least we know that nao obviously likes him back and is just scared to lose him as a friend. I’d be pisst if I was souta though bc nao led him on big time 😭 HANDLE YOUR SCANDAL NAO 🤨

Jup1terian

when you wake up next to her in the middle of the night, with your hands in your hands, you're nothing more than her husband. and when you think about me, all of those years ago, you're standing face to face with "i told you so" 🙏🏻

churrry

what if i climb into your mind and change this dialogue rn (i’d make it worse)

Abbey

Okay I knew it wasn't a miscommunication (sadly that was a lil obvious y'all) BUT I WANTED TO BE WRONG

Hannah

to be fair , that wasn’t like a no i don’t like you at least

rae
>>177059587

and i'm now noticing he kept faking a smile with a similar expression beforehand and now souta can't fake that smile anymore at the end 🙏🏼🙏🏼 so well done i love it

Ana Zecchin

Whyyyyyyyyy, how am I supose to wait for another week? (Not complaining, take ur time)

awphinesse
>>177058541

This could all have been avoided if my mom didn't make me learn english 🙏

Halee

Gosh yeah I saw this coming but. Man. I am torn between Souta reacting in a way that shows Nao that Souta prioritizes (and has been prioritizing) their friendship too OR reacting in a way that shows Nao that he and Souta have been dancing this line for a while and it’s kinda unfair for Nao to expect Souta to stay on the same page (here’s looking at you, almost-kiss in clown and the rockstar). I feel for both our boys. Bringing it up at the friend group function (AGAIN) seems a bit rough lol

Reki

this. i cant w this. DURING PRIDE MONTH TOO, STOP 😡

WillShipForFood🛥️=🍕

I exploded sorry I don't know what to do?????? I like, love angst. Mind you he didn't say that he doesn't like Souta at all in that way????

Antonio Vázquez

I request a name change for this chapter, it’s not not “awkward” it’s “HEARTBREAK “!!!!!

Jup1terian

i just hope that another boy shows up and make Nao jealous. please God

Endia K

I want to commit crimes! The PAIN! All these years I've waited... for This! I hope Souta shuts down, I hope this changes their dynamic permanently! Even when Nao is ready Souta avoids him saying it like the Plague!!! If one burns we ALL BURN🔥. (THX AINA LOVE YOU😘. NOT SRS JUST CRASHING OUT)

lenawithapen

So, I felt like this was where we were headed, unfortunately. I'm actually kind of relieved that it is done and out there. And, honestly, good for Souta for handling this so directly and maturely. It hurts even more because Nao says "sorry" right after telling Souta that he accepted the date with Arashi on Christmas, like Nao knew exactly what he was doing and exactly what that is supposed to mean... All I can say is that Nao better spoil the hell out of Souta when they finally get together. He is really putting him through the wringer.

Casey

Is this a prank?

Alyssa

But they are gonna change no matter what! Even if you try to stay friends those feelings are always gonna linger under the surface!

OLB

Ooo I don't handle angst well. I usually binge read until it gets happy again. But I can't do that now and I'm forced to actually process the emotions that this makes me feel :(

Hannah

Oh okay, this ones got a little spice, definitely not about to cry or anything.

daws

WOW

BiliousBecca

So, knowing Souta, he's probably still gonna find a way to smile at Nao and be like "Sure, I understand!" and just barely keep it together until he can get away and then break down crying... But what I desperately WANT to happen is for Souta to completely break down in front of Nao, and I don't mean just sobbing, I lowkey want him to get a little angry, too. Something like "You don't want things to change? It's a bit late for that! Things have already changed! Whether you want them to or not!"

daws

WE HAVE TO WAIT 7 DAYS

Laura

This feels like a hate crime bc it's pride month and I am now heart broken THANKS (It's my month damn it wtf :[ )

Stacey Mendoza

Hear me out. Souta's was a full confession. Nao is the half confession! Are we just glossing this over? And now it's Souta misunderstanding Nao only hearing the rejection...

amy-may

me when i’m desperately hoping if souta runs away from upset we see keisuke coming to investigate why he’s taking so long and sees what’s just happened (or has an idea at least bc keisuke is a very smart cookie our king) and says something to nao that makes him rethink. i do think he’s rejecting souta right now purely from fear of ruining what they already have because he’s never really seen a healthy relationship and doesn’t want to lose souta, but i think if he knows just how deep souta’s love for him runs, he might step back and think “maybe i’m wrong, maybe this will work and we’ll be okay” and Maybe its the concert tickets that solidify that when he finds out.

amy
>>177060677

sorry yall that is lengthy 😭 im crashing out as you can see !

Valeria

I'm kinda upset, souta didn't even want to confess, It was Nao who forced him in a moment of jealousy, and now my baby is heart broken

Taylor Mineo

Now now...did you have to twist the knife? (I'm teasing pls I love you so much and I hope Nao and Souta get to talk it out)

Novicity

Okay honestly not that bad, at least Nao somewhat feels the same but he obviously would rather protect what they have now vs what they could be. That being said, I hope he realizes how much Souta really cares about him once he finds out about the concert tickets :')

Eddie Mo
>>177060495

I agree lolol. The month ain’t over but I need some good news asap! I can’t wait another week!

McKynzee Pivonka

Oh, so Nao definitely knew. The reason, 'don't want anything to change' is a sad reason, because just by saying that, everything has already changed. Except. Nao, come on, man! You guys were less than a second from kissing not long ago, and you have been giving off mixed signals. There are lines to cross, and not to cross, and lines you can toe around, and boy, you have been toeing that line! If you didn't want anything to change, then you shouldn't have started a line dance with Souta. And Souta. Is he going to distance himself to get over Nao? Is there going to be any more distance?? I can't handle anymore of that ☹️

lenawithapen
>>177059496

What if the "rival" that Aina hinted about before was never Arashi? What if it was actually a rival for Nao? I know that's not the case... but what a fun twist that would be at this point. (I vote that we bring back ryuhei and happiness.)

Mojo

Oh.. 🥺💔

MsNutLover

NOPE! NOPE, I REFUSE! AINA, FOR THE LOVE OF BOYS LOVE EVERYWHERE, I DO NOT ACCEPT!

Koren

ykw this is fine... im just going to throw myself into oncoming traffic

Sarah

Oh god 😭

Jessica Llewellyn

….. my heart. I think it broke. But understandable.

Cosmo

Nao, I just don't get you. I can understand your fear of losing what you have, but why go out with someone else then?- You clearly wanted to kiss Souta, to be by his side all the time. And yet now, you choose to hurt him because you're afraid of what could be.

Jasmine Knight

I hate this for Souta.. he’s always getting the sh*t end of the stick :(

Jessica Llewellyn

I’ve just read it over and over 5x and I can relate to this so hard. Souta will be okay tho they both will be … you know when noa stops being an idiot we love him tho.

amy-may

god the way souta’s smile only lifts up slightly on one side because it’s a fake smile and not one that reaches his eyes :( it’s uneven because it’s not his actual smile i’m genuinely gonna be sick.

Silencio

Master of self sabotage 🤌

Marzipan ♡

guys if this gets drawn out for another three years i will be put back in the padded room. PLEASE JUST LET THEM BE HAPPY

Lily

😞 buddy nooo

cha0ticneutral

KEISUKE, OUR KING, PLEASE FIX THIS AND MAKE IT BETTER 😭😭😭

doll_ll

Ohhhh naaaahhhhhhhhh

catto

im gonna jump off a cliff

catto

JSHDUSJFBEJHFHDHDHDHRHIWHDGDHEUJWAAAAAAAAA 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

catto

wdym i subscribed just for more angst 😭💔💔💔

catto

I GOTTA WAIT ANOTHER WEEK

Shineflower

Aina, Im gonna need a follow up, this is homophobic. On pride?????

The Urge

I hope Souta doesn't misinterpret that as a proper rejection. I could see him understanding that Nao is saying he doesn't feel ready for a relationship. But I could also see Souta thinking Nao just doesn't feel attracted to him.

Alena Khlebnikova
>>177061035

I hope you mean toy car traffic. Please don't, we still need you to witness the realization on Nao's face about the tickets with us together 😂♥️

Eden Jay
>>177058973

i can't help but keep rereading these panels and sympathizing with everyone in the comments here lmao. man if souta starts crying again i might just, too. i could say more but i already said a lot last week so i'm just gonna say. i understand where they're both coming from, and my heart hurts for nao and those expressions too. but ooooh, the pain. and souta being on the verge of tears, whether or not he holds it together just long enough or not... i'm on the verge of tears for you, buddy T_T

amy-may

okay i need a bridgerton level love confession from nao after this like give souta that huge declaration of love he so deserves please 😭😭😭😭

Emmy Lexus

Dammit my delusion of this being a misunderstanding has been shattered 😭 things already have changed Nao. Keisuke come knock some sense into them 🙏

madness.managed

I honestly hope Souta breaks down infront of him, so Nao sees how much he loves him

mixhelle

I know it’s really hard to see that, but let’s not forget how young they both are 🥺 it’s totally understandable that Nao is afraid of things to change - we all read his story. And yes it’s very sad for Souta, but he knows about his feelings - talked about them and is clear about them. Let’s give Nao some time to deal with his emotions too 🥺🫶🏼

Nik

Oof, this is tough. Especially knowing that Souta has been prioritizing maintaining their friendship over his feelings for Nao all along. Giving Arashi the tickets and wingmanning for her doesn't happen without Souta putting that friendship first. It's more nuanced than that, but that's my initial response. There was never any doubt for me that Nao understood Souta on the Ferris wheel, but I'm very glad to see Direct Souta back in the saddle. I'm looking forward to seeing his emotional maturity (which he's fought fkng HARD for in recent chapters) come into play here. He deserves to feel his feelings. Brilliant as always, Aina. Let the angst angst and the burn burn. 🖤

Tired And bored

Aina... why are we still here? Just to suffer? Every night, I can feel my leg and my arm... even my fingers... the body I've lost... the comrades I've lost... won't stop hurting. It's like they're all still there. You feel it too, don't you? I'm the one who got caught up with Patreon. A group above nations... even Tapas. And I was the parasite below, feeding off IDCC's power. They came after you in Webtoon... then Tapas... Patreon... just keeps growing. Swallowing everything in it's path. Getting bigger and bigger... Who knows how big now? Boss. I'm gonna make 'em give back our past... take back everything that we've lost. And I won't rest... until we do.

Nik
>>177062002

Thiiiiisssss. We've only gotten to see Souta's heart lately. It's fair to assume Souta's feelings were news to Nao. Boy deserves time to digest too!

Ari Yez

NooOOOO i don't get it DDD: i mean yes maybe he has a point bUT I DON'T GET IT WHAT IS GOING ON

Diamond
>>177060549

I like what you are thinking but Aina did confirm that Souta’s confession was the half confession on a previous chapter!

Veiwan

Great😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Mo

i love nao but at this point i want souta to be with someone else shfjfj like nao isn’t ready… like i’ve been there, it took so many bad relationships for me to realize how i needed to grow. maybe a few years down the line he will be ready for a souta in his life but right now he isn’t and wouldn’t be good to him… not without a lot of commitment to growth. but i want souta with someone who will treasure him. 😭 no more of this… pls. he deserves so much more

catto

GOD I FEEL SO BAD FOR SOUTA THE CONFESSION JUST GOT YELLED OUTTA HIM LIKE 😭😭💔💔💔💔 i just want my guy souta to be happy

Pau
>>177060372

I'm with you on this one. Right now I just want Nao to suffer 😠

awkwardlymatt

I hope Souta gets another romantic interest honestly (even if it’s just one-sided from their part as Souta wouldn’t be ready) or distances himself for his own peace. It seems Nao wants the benefit of closeness without the fear of risk, which I can get. He’s a teen afraid of his feelings and of potential loss (he’s already lost so much). But I still say let Souta feel appreciated and let Nao feel jealous

minium

Just as I expected. What a relief it is to have the shoe drop (the rejection) finally.

😴

BROO PLEASE LET THIS BE A MISUNDERSTANDING🙁

charlie

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH MY GOOOOOOOODDDDDD 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

FallingPixie

NO. Omg wait this is not how I thought this was gonna go. I mean... I understand because he's never had anyone so close before and that's terrifying to lose but he's just got to make that leap. Friends can become more. It works out in the end, I know it will. It has to 😭

lin

ON PRIDE MONTH? 😭

sleeption

I love getting my heart ripped out :) if Souta cries it will be stomped on :)

NeonOstrich

WAHHHHH where do we go from hereee

Taytorade

Of course Nao's scared of change 😭💔 I am too so I understand, but, Sweetheart, things have ALREADY changed

mixhelle

Let’s focus on the part that Nao didn’t say that he has no feelings for Souta. He said he doesn’t want anything to change between them. To me it’s clear that he’s afraid and that is very understandable 🥺♥️

Loverspangled

It must be so hard for Souta ;-; pushing aside his feelings for so long cause he knows Nao is going through so much. That he needs a friend. He wanted to be that! ;-; sacrificing the tickets, his time, his desire to just hang out with Nao without being a third wheel- he’s been working so hard to “keep things the same”, but then the confession was forced out of him. Not even allowed to properly confess. He cares so much, and that care has been doing nothing but hurt him lately. He knew it wasn’t going to work out. He was warned by friends, himself- he also just wanted things to stay the same. :( it’s so unfair for him. I love this comic. He might not be “book smart” but souta is the most emotionally mature person. And for his age, he shouldn’t have to be. If he blows up in the next part, it’s so deserved. He deserves to be upset and heart broken and just say everything he’s been holding back for Nao’s sake.

Procra

But why did Nao flirt with him at the school festival and when they watched the movie and all?! I don’t understand 😭

Stickabee

this hurts so badly because souta is living his NIGHTMARE right now. and now those ugly feelings hes been having are likely going to amplify, especially since hes clearly not going to actually talk to anyone about it until hes literally forced. i cant wait to continue weeping <3

Yedi

Can’t defend you anymore, Nao 😔

cat reynolds

AWWW NOOO HIS FACE NOOOOOO IM GONNA CRU

The Urge
>>177060359

I feel like maybe Nao will encourage that boy and Souta will find out and get mad as hell, right as Nao finds out about the tickets.

BiliousBecca
>>177064433

THIS 100%! Lowkey why I want Souta to get a bit angry! He's been prioritizing Nao's feelings this whole time, and don't get me wrong-Nao's been going through so much shit and really needed/needs emotional support, but not at the expense of Souta's emotional well being! And I'm not blaming Nao, nor do I think Souta should blame Nao. It's just...this whole situation has been so unfair for poor Souta. He needs to prioritize himself, and unfortunately, in order for him to do that he will have to kind of "abandon"/distance himself from Nao for a bit... but that's also gonna be so damaging for both of them.. and GAAAAAHHH :(

camilin

omg i love the fact that at least things are getting clearer (still suffering for these babies though)

procra
>>177062754

Actually I was kind of shipping the guy who is friend with the enemy of Nao, I don’t remember his name but it felt that he was interested in Souta. Maybe he is the other love interest 🤞🏼 But I hate love triangle, I don’t want him to be heartbroken. 😓

catto

JUST KILL ME NOW

Little Lyttle

BANGING MY HESD AGAINST THE WALL IM UNWELL

Hermione

Well… I hope we finally find someone who is into Souta like that because at this point, I’m so tired of this I don’t think I even want Nao to be with him anymore. How can you not like him?! He’s great! This is sickening and I’m raging so HARD. If Aina doesn’t introduce someone that’s into Souta other than Nao in this series I’ll actually be so upset because I feel like at this point, we need something new.

SilviaLuna

What makes it so sad and upsetting is that Nao (understandably as many point out) is not only not really rejecting him like with the others he is low key asking to pretend it didn’t happen with the “don’t wanting anything to change” he is running away from it, if he could only say “I love you but not in that way” okay Souta could move on, but he is not confronting him and by that it’s worst for Souta, his feelings are not being acknowledged… and that it’s infuriating, I do hope he gets angry our baby has been keeping so much inside (not that I want him to though that anger and frustration at Nao but he should say what he feels not by force but on his own will)

camilin

i really hope souta breaks down in the next update bc the poor guy has been holding it all in for so long that he deserves a break. i understand nao's response and it was actually really ambiguous if you think about it... he just said he wants things not to change but nothing about his feelings (or lack of them) and nothing about not wanting to be with souta. he's just been through so much loss that he's not in a position to risk another one. it still sucks for them both but i have faith in what they have

SilviaLuna
>>177060378

Dudeeee you are so right, like you know he just confessed and you are admitting you are going on a date with someone else (granted he is kind of letting him know there’s no romantic feelings, I think deep down Nao’s true feelings are showing but… that was cold Nao)

DearNeptune!

Souta is an angel and he deserves his happiness. I'm sorry he didn’t get it today. And so is Nao. But one day, I know he'll be happier than he knows what to do with. Right now, he might not have heard Nao say he feels the same but is scared. Maybe, he might have. We'll see next week. That sad, trembling frown might demand to know why Nao is keeping them from what they both want. And Nao, so scared and worried for a future he desperately wants but is afraid to grab. It's in your hands pal. You just gotta give it the attention it deserves. But he can't see that right now. But he will. I just want to squeeze them.

The Urge
>>177059836

This is funny but be honest Nao is not going to date Arashi. He's going to either stay single or start dating Souta. He's only going to the Christmas eve concert because he's too clueless to remember that Souta was jealous of her.

camilin

i don't think i can wait another week for souta's reaction 😭😭

Holden

Aina, please. Let me get isekai’d in there to give Souta a hug. I’ve been here before on both sides and I get it but I also get that Nao might need time and not know how to handle himself but please Souta needs some TLC right now.

The Urge
>>177059806

In Nao's defense he was not at all expecting this crush to lead anywhere serious. He thought it made more sense for Souta to be in a love triangle between Inoue and Arashi than having feelings for him.

amy
>>177065114

i understand your frustration, but it’s very clear that nao does like souta back, he’s just afraid to face it because he doesn’t want things to fail and lose souta in the process. he’s never known what a healthy relationship is, he’s only ever been surrounded by heartbreak and watching it around him and so he’s probably terrified of taking that next step with souta in fear of the same thing happening. souta was his first real friend in a very long time and potentially losing that is something he does not want. i think we’ve also got to factor in how young they are, they’re still teenagers who are growing and learning every day. the way nao has gone about this isn’t okay but in time he’s going to most likely realise this and do some serious thinking. i trust what aina is doing with them and absolutely certain that we’re going to get a wonderful payoff with these two.

Tiffanie_Rose

Ok... I'm ready for the next chapter now. No...wait... I'm not! Waaaaaa.

Billy Maz

Noooooo it’s gonna be okay 😭😭😭

Hermione

You know… it would be crazy if the reason he’s actually turning down Souta is because Arashi did in fact confess when she gave Nao the tickets and he felt bad rejecting her so he accepted her confession and the tickets.

So'

Ahhhhhhhhhhh I need to sleep right now but I love this so fucking much ... The tension, the angst ... (Well at the same time how heart breaking especially on pride month 🥲)

The Urge
>>177065968

No, he would have said he didn't have feelings for him if that was the situation.

Pau

NOW you don't want things to change? After all the mixed signals you have been sending him? Sorry but after this I just need Nao to suffer. Hopefully Souta will distance himself to try and get over him, so Nao realizes that things have already changed. Or maybe someone will get interested in Souta so Nao sees what he's missing. Whatever happens next, I hope Nao has to do some serious groveling before there's any chance of Souta renewing his feelings for him.

camilin

you know what's breaking me the most?? the fact that nao isn't even looking souta in the face like... he knows he's hurting him and i dare to say he just can't see the damage he's causing

Aisha_Luv

I have to wonder if Nao’s aro-spec and maybe that’s why he’s so hesitant and unsure of his feelings (as someone who’s been there) Cos when aina made the ship chart nao’s sexuality was “wouldn’t you like to know” lol

alais

WTF LIKE ACTUALLY WHAT. THE. FUCK. I honestly didn't think nao would react like this omg.... he litteraly tried to kiss souta and now he's saying this.......

camilin

aina listen to me... i need you to stop making souta put on a façade, the panel where he's faking his smile is really saddening i can't take it anymore

camilin

for the people saying they want nao to suffer... are you ok?? he's just a boy and, honestly, he's suffered quite a lot already. one thing is wishing for souta to perhaps find someone else who can commit to him the way he wants and a completely different one is wanting nao to have it worse than he already has it

So'

Ok I really should be sleeping but nevermind I have to write on the episode ...🫠 So Oh My God !!!!!!!!... At least this confirm that Nao understood the confession !!!!!!! And at least they are talking about it .... But oh my I love them so much ... Poor Souta he's gonna think Nao doesn't like him but rather Arashi ... After all his effort for the tickets, being a good friend for Nao when he needed him etc etc ... But we know Nao can't accept to date just like that not with everything he's been going through sadly... He's so young and scared .... Looked at their face oh my god this is so beautifully depicted ! Thank you Aina I love this ❤️

:P

Oh 😭

SavageWolffSoul
>>177066438

I've been wondering this as well. I originally thought he was a demi but I'm not so certain anymore.

flash_lover21

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

SnowWrite

Who’s cutting onions?

Ivy

So you didn’t want to hurt Arashi but you have no problem hurting Souta??

rwbq

oh!!!!!!!!!!!

BK

Peak writing but I am in pain

Cory

My 1:40am diabetic hypo summoned me for this.. okay.. this makes more sense then a misunderstanding.. I guess.. but I'm still lost 🥲🫠

Poppy Jasper

Don't want it to change. And from that chin squeeze from Souta.. it just did.

Sorenha

Im crying, this is so painful

Sorenha

Is there a patreon for the patreon

BLKWOL

As I keep saying Nao does not deserve Souta. Souta deserves so much better.

drafter14

MY JAW IS ON THE FLOOR

BLKWOL

You can feel sorry for Nao and his past while still holding him accountable.

Diadia20

Wait what! IS THAT IT?!?! Noooo I need more details!!!!!!!!😫😩😭🤯😱

DearNeptune!
>>177058744

Definitely a roundabout confession. Not a "no I don't feel the same" but a "what we have is too big for me right now. Too real. If it's gone, I'll never recover." Which is really a devastatingly painful way to say you like someone back.

Diadia20

Where is the BFF? Keisuke!! Please come help!!!! Only you can help bring them together😭😭😭

meow

nao i’m jumping you..

The Urge
>>177068052

I don't understand this take at all. Nao has made some mistakes but he's really not that bad.

Bryn E

I may have more articulate thoughts later, but firstly, VINDICATION!! Secondly, I was right for being a “nao understood the half confession” truther but god at what cost… That said I am eating up this angst and enjoying the souta heartbreak era. I know some ppl are upset but this is good!! This will make it all the more satisfying once nao comes to souta and they finally do get together. Thanks for the update as usual aina, keep doing what you’re doing, and I’m excited for more and to see what you have planned for us 💙

The Urge
>>177068097

Okay but this is really not that bad. Nao's behavior is totally understandable. He sort of got flirty thinking this was never going to go anywhere because his crush was straight, and then when it finally happened he had to reject it because he didn't feel ready. I'm not sure how much to hold him accountable for here. He didn't know Souta felt this way otherwise he would have behaved appropriately.

Reese J

It hurts to read cuz it's not stereotypical. We're so used to reading the same pattern in romance but this feels more real than fiction.

The Urge
>>177064830

I can. I'll protect him from the haters until he's emotionally ready for Souta, after which point these people will undoubtably forget all about their grievances.

The Urge
>>177063247

I think it is. Nao clearly means he's not ready for a relationship and Souta is probably going to think Nao doesn't return his feelings.

koffine

I'm only two hours late. How's the room this much on fire already.

alex

I DID NOT EXPECT THIS but I kinda love how its more realistic and he seemingly likes souta but is scared. I hope souta can get the confidence he deserves though and maybe even takes some time without nao so they can come back together as friends or partners stronger :P

Kazemi / かぜみ

Sigh. I get it. But also. Why? Out of anything he could have said. It. Fine. Whatever. In the end they’re both kids, never really dealt with love before, and they’re dumb. But I wish it wasn’t this way. At least I can feel that even if Nao really wants it, he feels he can’t. Whether it be his own shortcomings with romance or as he said, he doesn’t want to change their friendship (Which is ironic considering their friendship has already changed). And I know things will be sorted out in the future but please, I hope Souta finds happiness in the meantime. Nao. Please get your shit together so Souta can love you.

Dani
>>177068682

I am shook he understood. I think it’ll take him realizing who the concert tickets came from to snap out of it and realize how he feels

Nikki C.

Well my heart is broken 😞 😭

RAE

oh buddies 😞

The Urge
>>177061585

Nao is so alone, he desperately needs a Keisuke in his life to listen to him process his feelings about Souta.

Caru Zu

Duele 😢

lenawithapen

I can just picture Aina preparing to send this update, knowing full well that it was going to send everyone here into a total and complete tailspin. 😂😭

Jetare

Aww, sadness :( But good job Nao!! (Honestly good job both of them) That was a very mature and appropriate conversation, and he didn't run away from it.

Pau
>>177066843

I'm on team i want Nao to suffer and I'm great, thank you for asking :) just to clarify, I'm not saying I want Nao to get traumatized or anything, and I don't have an issue with him rejecting Souta if that's what he wants and needs, my issue with him is that if he didn't want things to change then he shouldn't have lead Souta on, Souta never considered the possibility of Nao liking him back until Nao made him wonder. So if Nao decides now to reject Souta and break his heart, then I want him to face the consequences of his actions. I want him to realize it's too late for things to stay the same, I want Souta to prioritize his own well being for once and put some distance because hanging out with Nao as before will only hurt him more, I want Nao to miss him and realize he made a mistake, I want someone to get interested in Souta because he's a great guy and deserves all the love, I want Nao to see this and get jealous, and I want him to have to work a little bit to earn Souta's love back, because I would think that trusting someone who already broke your heart is not easy.. besides I think Nao will need a little push to move forward. That's my take at least, sorry for the rant!

The Urge
>>177060453

'"If you didn't want things to change you shouldn't have pushed me to confess!"

Haishaye

He needs to heavy cry next update… it’s necessary for my soul. I need to live a vicarious sob with him.

Bearninjas

This update is incredible. This is 100% the messiness that would happen in real life and not just a romance fic, and I am here for it. Thank you Aina for being brave enough to take this route. I’m hurting for our boys, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

fish

The confirmation that Nao did in fact understand that Souta was confessing is great but also this is painful but also I’m so excited for resolution

The Urge
>>177059457

Why does everyone think Nao is in denial. He hasn't said anything in denial of his feelings.

BiliousBecca
>>177070926

She was totally rubbing her hands together gleefully and cackling, eagerly awaiting all of our depressed comments to come pouring in 😂

jami

i’m telling myself this is what needs to happen to get nao to realize that souta is dead serious and that going for it is worth all the risk

Awphinesse

All of Souta's fears just got validated, everything he has been telling himself about his relationship with Nao, that he didn't want to risk their friendship. But now that Nao said it, I just know Souta is thinking he ruined it everything...

The Urge
>>177058842

You cannot hide from the love forever Nao! It's already too late for you! (But seriously take your time Nao we'll still be here when you're ready)

The Urge
>>177066373

I disagree. Nao was 100 percent sure that Souta was never going to return his feelings. I think he believably would apologize and maybe should apologize since he was being pretty dense to never see it, but Groveling is a bit much.

Ash

The only thing giving me hope and delusion right now, is knowing we might get a convo with Nao and Arashi during or after the concert about the tickets😭 Arashi: That was so much fun! Nao: Yeah, I’m glad they played most of their old stuff. Arashi: And we were so close to the stage. I mean it was middle row but still! I could see everything! I’ll have to thank Ueshima-kun when I see him again. Nao: *pauses* *head tilt* Souta? Arashi (oblivious as always): Yeah. He gave me the tickets. Nao: *finally comes to his damn senses and puts us out of our miseries😭🙏🏽*

AlexSam
>>177064650

I think it's cause he likes him too but is holding himself back because he is scared to change the nature of their relationship. That's probably why he didn't commit to it in either situation. He backed off. His relationship with Souta is too important to risk and he's afraid going farther will screw it up.

Jettah Woolf

I’m still pissed off this week We were making so much progress they almost kissed and now he just wants to be friends 🥲🥲🙂‍↔️

I am here to read :D aka Pika

I need Sato here or I'm going to lose my mind atp... holy wtf 😭 taking deep breaths rn Omg the way Nao must be regretting the shit out of his action in the amusement park Like if only he didn't push Souta to saying it

Rosie 030

I’m crying, that really broke my heart. Poor Souta I hope he can finally let it out

noname

In pride month 😔😔😔

Tina Gomez

Ooo the next ep is gonna hurt ik it🥺

Ilma Tuka

Gah damn... i mean, it's realistic I'll give it that, but gah damn realistic hurts (　ＴДＴ)

Ashamed.

Whaaaat, the fuck nao?! I mean i get it, but like, come ooon, you know youve been kinda leading him on.

Antonio Vázquez
>>177067417

That’s a very interesting point you bring up. He probably doesn’t understand the impact this rejection is going to have

DearNeptune!
>>177073605

This is such a specific reference. I don't know if I'm happy or mad that I get it. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Jorgie

Wowww so Nao had long since decided he wasn't going to tell Souta how he felt. But it's not just a passing crush Nao, this boy is fully in love😭

Jojo

I feel so bad for both of them 💔

laralala

OH MY GOOOODDDD WHAAAAT

DearNeptune!

I'm sorry. Nao saying "maybe both." It's a rejection, but one he doesn't want to fully commit to. He's really fighting the piece of him that wants it ssssooooo bad, but the other 97% of him is telling him no. That he can't. That it'll be a bad idea and he'll be alone again if this all goes wrong. And it will go wrong. At least that's the way he feels everything in his life except Souta has gone. Even though a small piece of him is whispering "yes, please" and "don't leave me" and "I want you so much it hurts." The distressed background when he rejects Souta without looking at him, and when Souta hears it. The absolute pain in Nao's face and the devastation in Souta's mouth. Aina, sometimes you're too good at details and facial expressions. The ache in my heart, but I love it. 😩

Vivi

I have a slight hope that it’s Nao’s mouth that we see in the end. You can’t really see the sweater anymore like at the beginning.

laralala

so all the flirting and almost kiss from nao's part was because he thougth that souta was "straight" so he felt some kind of "safety" that it will never go beyond a very close friendship but now souta's confession made him freak out??? god i feel so so sad for the both of them 😭😭

laralala

i mean get it but i don't lmao

Jojo

The way Nao is unsure of his feelings, it seems that he is potentially considering a more-than-friends relationship with Souta. But Souta is his closest relationship and doesn’t want to endanger that. Mixed with a lack of communication, both Nao and Souta are struggling with what to do next. I like the complexity of the writing of these characters, because they’re written so in-depth. Applaud to Aina for creating a compelling story that gives us time for character growth. ☺️❤️

Erinn

The lip in the last panel killed me

Sour_meraki

I have a feeling the stress of taking on a part time job, schoolwork, and the cold weather, alongside everything going on with Nao, that he’s probably gonna catch a cold sooner or later. Who knows tho

xnstwilight

the way the only thing keeping me a little reassured are these comments😔

xnstwilight
>>177083413

I woke up and immediately read this chapter and just got to the "you're rejecting me" and was already giddy bc omg so he did understand it and then I proceeded to get sucker punched

Ells

they’re communicating BUT AT WHAT COST 😔

catto

i feel like im being stabbed

J

Whadaheck

Stephanie

SigGgGgGhhhhHhHh

Heidi

I’m actually crashing out

Heidi

I am SO grateful for this community in the comments section. Please save me with your theories y’all 🥹

Heidi

U guys 100% that is Nao's mouth, you can tell by the shading (I am delusional)

Iona

That scene is what makes the whole Nao’s background part so relevant. I see what you did there Aina 😭

The Urge

It just occurred to me that Nao is rejecting him without explicitly doing it. He's saying he doesn't know why he's sorry and maybe it's both, and and he doesn't want anything to change between them as in he doesn't want their relationship to get weird. He used a lot of words to communicate a rejection of Souta's feelings without having to say the words "I don't want to be your boyfriend" or anything similar.

Leticia Sáez Ferreras
>>177073536

You night be pretty right, but I also think it's posible the other way around, that Souta is going to scream at Nao for ruining It, because he's been enduring so much hiding his feelings to keep their friendship but Nao made him confess and made him feel like shit (+rejecting him twice 😭). So, I really hope that mouth means heartbreak+anger, and Souta's going to have his say 🤞🏻

Iona

I don’t wanna say this but. Nao you’re fucked up. Stop flirting with people to reject them after. Stop being an ass. Stop sending signal that you cannot take responsibility for. Your background, your parents’ relationship being traumatizing for you, your ordeals. Yeah that definitely explains much. But that doesn’t excuse. You better go to a therapist now. Your fucking father, or school counselor or whatever responsible adult should have sent you to one.

Mac

Im so anxious about this, its literally making me nauseous. I know that some people thought Nao misinterpreted Souta’s half confession and I was hoping for the opposite and I guess my assumption was confirmed but to me Its so much more heartbreaking that he knows Souta likes him but he doesnt want to ruin the relationship by moving further beyond a friendship. Him rejecting him for fear of ruining the relationship can ruin the relationship in its own complexed way. maybe straight up rejection wouldve hurt less, miscommunication of the half confession?? It still hurts.

Tarandra
>>177088106

Wtf he didn't send any signals did he ? For me he just have a deep relationship with souta, and even if he does have unconcious feelings, that's totally not okay to call that being fucked up. He isn't toying with souta at all.

PikasWife (•bruh•)

What if Nao doesnt realize how deep Souta’s feelings run and therefore he didn’t think mentioning Arashi would affect him. Bc Nao still fking hates himself so he probs thinks Souta is just mistaken

Tarandra

The worst thing is that Souta didn't want things to change either, he never wanted to confess in the first place, he wanted to set Nao up with harashi even if it was painfull for him. 😭 Well, I was sad today, and now I'm even sadder 😂 hope they find a way back to trust each other and being confortable again

Myri

Ok so after rereading it for the 100th time I do kind of understand Naos reasoning for rejecting Souta. But I hope that he apologises for forcing him to confess too because let’s face it Souta wasn’t going to confess at all but Nao had to push him while being jealous I think? I mean I still don’t get it tbh? He was clearly upset that Souta seemingly liked Inoue and Arashi at the same time…which he didn’t but yeah… I really want to see Naos thoughts and his perspective. And for all the people hating on characters (Nao, Arashi etc.) guys calm down lol, like real people fictional people are not perfect and we always get Soutas POV so we can’t know what other characters think… And I also don’t think that Nao lead people intentionally on, he is oblivious. I mean he probably still didn’t get that Arashi likes him 💀 So how on earth could he even realised Soutas crush without Souta literally screaming it to his face(half screaming it)…

Beanie

this comment section tells me people have forgotten that these are young boys, who live in a heteronormative society where queerness isn't normalized and is generally frowned upon. as well as Nao having loads of baggage that of course will have him question and doubt if a relationship with the One Person™️ he's found that actually gets him is going to be a good idea. Take it from someone who's dated their best friends twice, both of the relationships didn't lead anywhere but only one of them are still in my life - but that's mostly because of their communication skills and my emotional maturity (which was nonexistent at the time of the first break-up 5years prior). Nao is allowed to have him feelings, and to flirt with Souta - those are boundaries that they BOTH have to establish. its not solely up to Nao to figure out that his presumed straight bestie has caught feelings. Communication is a two way street and boy does it take two to tango.

Camilia

Honestly, it's very logical that Nao rejects Souta, he's scared because of everything he's been through and doesn't want things to change with Souta because he's the only one he feels really safe and himself around. But I think it's too late for things to stay the way they are. Because, even if he was upset and just wanted to understand, Nao kinda forced Souta to confess, and now they can't go back, it's too late. Feelings are on the table, and I don't think it's possible for their friendship to stay this way without hurting Souta very much. So I get Nao, but he can't say that to Souta hoping that nothing is going to happen. And with Souta's face at the end of the chapter, I think I'm right. Seeing Souta hurt is really painful though 😢

The Urge
>>177091183

This isn't like a straight girl flirting with a straight guy or vice versa. Nao lives in a world where the default state of men around him is one where they are physically incapable of feeling attraction to him. This fundamentally changes the dynamic here. I don't get why they ignore that. Nao literally assumed Souta had a crush on his female friend and Nao's female friend before considering that Souta might have feelings for him. Because they're both guys. Also Nao's "what if we kissed just kidding lol" means there's a good possibility Nao thought of himself as straight at that point, especially with him also kissing that random girl. Like his reaction to Souta wanting to kiss Inoue is a fully blank unreadable one. I think Nao has just recently grown to actually understand his feelings as romantic, possibly after chapter 47.

Norin

Oh, please, Nao, you avoidant bastard (I love you and I understand why you are like that, but it hurts and you hurt Souta). I need Souta to shout at him next episode and ask why he's been flirting with him 😭

Nanani
>>177090433

And let's be fair: Souta told Nao he was interested in girls like Inoue, just a few weeks ago. AND he kind of pushed Nao into a possible relationship with Arashi (my poor darling, I know you are hurting and didn't know better, because you are just 17). I don't think Nao's main reason for being angry with Souta was because of jealousy, but cause of his distant behavior towards Nao. You see, their friendship is actually really new, because since the beginning of the Story it has just been what - 8 to 9 month, starting with April (schoolstart in Japan) and now we have November or December. I can understand Nao dosen't want to risk it, he has stepped out of his Depression and Apathy for just a short time. Going back there after maybe loosing Souta, that must be scary. And, did you know that a depression often leads to a fear of Happieness? I know Souta is really hurting at the moment, we can see it in every panel. But, believe me, Nao is hurting, too. They are just Teenagers. Every one of them is doing their best. And Nao is trying it without phychological Support or/ and a loving grown up. Which is Hard. Because bobody is showing you a the really long way out.

Am

I've read this like 100 times. When will our boys return from the war?

pupcuz1

Oh. Oh the lip quiver. Oh my heart. I hope it slips that Souta got those tickets soon. He worked so hard and is getting so hurt. I know why, but oh.

Hibiscosaurus

I sort of understand why so many people are saying that Nao gave mixed signals but I honestly believe whenever he did anything sort of flirtatious, it wasn’t consciously. Like, I feel like he always backed down when he realized what he was doing, because although he already had feelings for Souta, he wasn’t in the acceptance phase yet, and I still don’t think he truly is. That being said, as it’s been pointed out many times, we are only following Souta’s pov, so it’s easier to interpret Nao’s actions in a romantic way. I also think it’s important to understand that they’re 2 teenage boys, which is a demographic where, even in Europe or North America, homophobia is really prevalent, so I can’t even imagine what it must be like in Japan. We also don’t know what Nao’ father’s stance on homosexuality is, so we don’t know if Nao has had to hide who he was for a long time. We’ve only seen Souta who accepted being bi really easily (which is a good sign regarding his family’s position) but it’s generally not that easy to accept who you are when you don’t fit the mould. Anyway, all this to say I think people are maybe being a little harsh on those boys who are still young and are bound to make mistakes. (Also I think Souta crying could lead to the cold hands illustration 🤞🤞🤞)

Iona

Nao’s actions make so much sense. Im shocked we didn’t saw it coming. Im shocked that im shocked. I’m terrified and I think you’re masterful plotting is a CURSE Aina cause even now, I still care so fucking much for them two and I still wish for Souta and Nao to heal and get together already wtf are they doing!!! They’re going the wrong way 😭 TURN AROUND BOYS ITS NOT THE RIGHT WAY AINA YOU SADIST

Norin
>>177088040

Yes! I think he's very conflicted - it's not that he isn't in love with Souta, because he totally is, but he's terrified of how a romantic relationship might change and destroy their friendship (based on his background it totally makes sense, but I'm mad at myself for thinking Souta had healed him more than this.. Or maybe more than he's able to admit to himself by now)

Nanani
>>177095122

For real! I think that believing Souta could magically heal Nao was the typical prototypical manga road... we wanted it. But we all know we like this comic because it is soooo realistic.

ScuttlebuttScootScoot

Oops, well, they already have changed, but at least he’s using his words. If this wasn’t a story I think literally about how they eventually get together, I’d say now is the time where Souta takes a bit of space to process his emotions and then maybe they can be friends again after time has passed, but, uh, I don’t know how this fits into a romance success story

nitbit

I feel like people are forgetting that Nao is a child of divorce. At a very young age, he witnessed his parents fall out of love with each other, which permanently changed their family structure. I think it’s very possible that he likes Souta back, but doesn’t want to take that next step towards a romantic relationship in fear of what it would mean for their friendship. I understand why people might be mad at him (this slowburn is…really burning) but they also need to realize that just because he’s learned to manage his grief over his mother doesn’t mean that the trauma from that period of his life just magically disappeared. Other comics may treat it like that, but I highly doubt that Aina would. edit: I also completely forgot about the queer angle lmaooo. That would obviously make it MUCH harder for them to be together as well. Man I feel for both of them so hard. Kudos to you, Aina! You’re wrecking my heart over here.

nitbit

well. happy pride month ig!!

Ariiaa

I can understand where Nao is coming from but I still feel like I’m getting smacked in the face every update

amanda
>>177100945

yes, you brought up a very valid point. but it caught me off guard 🥲

Maria Carlson

Oh no, so he did get it, awww poor both of them. I’ve been there recently where Souta is, it’s tough, still struggling getting over those feelings. But we all know things will work out for these two, I just hope soon! ❤️

hani✨

this destroyed me

madness.managed

Guys I keep thinking about this, my poor babies 😭😭

taty am

I Just want another update. He is about to cry

_Star_ Flight_

I got a shiver (the bad kind) when Souta said "Or are you rejecting me?" I'm gonna go cry now

emms

Oh, is that Souta’s scrunchy chin at the end? Inoue, hold my earrings.

Leticia Sáez Ferreras

Okay, kinda glad (not) that I was right when I said It wasn't a misunderstanding, I was sure there was no other way of interpreting Souta's half confession.

Leticia Sáez Ferreras

Damn It, I was nervous and published before I had finished 🙈🤣🤣🤣

Leticia Sáez Ferreras

The thing is, I (we) totally get where Nao's coming from, but it's so unfair to Souta all the same, being outright jealous (when talking about Inoue and the jacket, and when he thought that Souta wanted to be with Arashi) and giving "the vibes"... Not freaking kind to be even more awkward than Souta, and the saying sorry... I don't know. It's painfully realistic, that's for sure🤣😭

Leah Gunnink

We all have different perspectives and we need to see all of them. It’s gonna change between them two (whether they like it or not), but give them time to realize their feelings and sometimes stories don’t have happy endings. You’ll need to look at the title “idiots” and that’s the point, love this story because it shows us that love isn’t easy and takes some drama and real life situations to realize these things. Communication is key but you have to realize that these people are still in high school.

Leticia Sáez Ferreras

Also (I'm stupidly posting comments, I know 🙇🏻‍♀️ bear with me 🤣)!! It was so well done, the beginning opening with the focus on Souta's mouth from hanging open to fake smiling and then at the end focusing again on his mouth from hanging open to nearly crying... That way of capturing the emotions, the tension, and bassically breaking us. Aina, you're a genius. And scary.

Nanani

I am curious if Souta will reply. It's no good bottling everything up, I hope he can say that he doesn't want or isn't able to do all of this anymore, to act like he is okay. If he is not okay. He IS allowed to be selfish, he doesn't need to chastise himself for the sake of the Status quo. Even if he hurts Nao, he needs to Look after himself and take a step back. Sadly, there is no winner in this situation.

doingus

okay yes nao’s response is so AAGAIAGAIWGWIAH because we want what we want!!! but nao is going through a lot right now, and im sure he wants souta. like hello he wants him. but i would imagine that nao imagines any kind of change as a bad thing, especially with him grieving. i woukd imagine he’s just a nervous wreck right now, with the chance of losing souta, who has changed nao so much since thr story began. i cant even lie i’d probablt say the same thing nao said if i were him. I LOVE YOU NAO!!!!!!! AND AOUTA!!!! souta baby im so sorry…

So'

I need Keisuke to use his sixth sense to feel Souta is not okay and come and hug him 🫂🥲

Sutton

I'm so curious as to how souta will react. He's a very selfless character and probably does not want to "burden" nao with his feelings. This will likely lead to him bottling everything up and pretending he's ok with nao's rejection. Unlike souta I myself and quite selfish but I would also bottle up my emotions if I were in his position. Although in my case it's more of a pride/ego thing, the whole "don't let them see you cry" stchick. On one hand it's not healthy to bottle up your emotions, on the other hand I feel like souta has been humiliated enough through idcc I don't want him to let nao know how much he's hurt. Although that is me projecting how I would feel.

EmeraldMoth

Ah I see, so he didnt misunderstand at all.

jami

i gotta hand it to souta for being bold enough to directly ask “are you rejecting me?” like i could never

Rishi

They have be talking about different things bc Nao likessss Souta. I just think they need to clear things up. Nao needs someone to be straight forward with him and that’s why people keep mentioning keisuke. I think he’ll play a part but ultimately it’s up to Nao and Souta to get the actually hard part out. Like rn they’re speaking in riddles to each other😭😭 I also love how emotional Souta is!! He really wears his heart on his sleeve and Aina did a good job portraying that. Each update leaves me more excited for the next!!🤭

☆

Imduing im dying imdyinggggg

Probablee

God, I hope Keisuke tells Nao who really bought the tickets, Souta deserves at least that 😭😭😭

The Urge
>>177097762

It could. They could reunite after taking space to process and Nao, having done the same, could now feel ready for this, and talk to Souta about becoming a couple.

The Urge
>>177095008

Also Souta has been sending mixed signals too. Neither of them know what they’re doing.

Bearninjas
>>177123010

It seems like Nao’s been able to push Souta past the brink once already — pretty much angrily forcing that half-confession out of Souta when he wasn’t ready (or even planning) to do it. Now again he’s asking Souta to accept a rejection when he never planned on finishing asking and suspected he already knew. I wonder if Souta might finally blow up at him. He’s already been trying so so hard (all last chapter) not to have things change between them based on his feelings, but it’s too late for that. I wonder if he’ll have the courage to ask for space.

hani✨

this whole entire chapter is hereby defined as “i love you” by billie eilish😭

madness.managed

God you guys i don't think I can take this I'm going insane

Norin
>>177088273

Yeah, I guess if Nao straight up rejected Souta (I mean he does, but also subtly implies that it's not because he doesn't like him romantically but because he's terrified of relationships) it would have hurt less. But I have to admit I like the development in spite of having my heart ripped out. It feels very realistic and makes a lot of sense from Nao's pov. And I was in the misunderstanding gang, although it started to feel like I was desperately clinging to a straw 😅 I kind of wish we could live in the delusion while Nao thought things over, but on the other hand we finally got a glimpse of what he's ACTUALLY thinking

Woiso

Souta 's gonna explode ... 😭 Gosh, he kept all his emotions inside a bottle ... Next episode or later, I won't be surprised if he blames Nao that he didn't want this either (akward relationship, half confession etc.)

DearNeptune!
>>177116052

Souta for sure needs to take care of himself right now. Even in a less intense situation, he would have every right to say, "I'd love to be friends. But first I need time to myself. I'll see you around." Souta needs room to get it all out and think about himself for once. He's put himself on the back burner for at least a month and a half. Longer if we're adding up hiding his crush while helping Nao grieve.

Alex

He’s gonna explode, let it slip that he gave the girl the tickets, and talk about how he didn’t want to tell him and blame Nao since he cornered him. I’m sooooo ready

Dani

I have an idea. Is this when our dear Souta is going to get another extreme cold (remember he was hospitalized and hasn’t had one since), and after those concert tickets Nao realizes he can’t let this slide 🤔

Kade

This story is so painfully realistic that it just chills me to my core...

Dani
>>177123974

The very first chapter shows how much of a hopeless romantic he is 😭 I miss him being all lovey dovey admiring love

Elisa🩷💜💙
>>177115608

Yeah but it’s also described as a slow burn bl so I don’t think that would happen. But I like that it’s so realistic 😊

Norin

Just wanted to say (again?) that I'm really excited for the current events even though I didn't anticipate Nao basically rejecting Souta. But it feels very realistic and very true to character, and I hope the drama and development will be more between Souta and Nao now, not so much with Arashi between them. It hurts a lot, but in a way that I trust will be healing ❤️

The Urge
>>177157166

In excited that Nao is aware of Souta’s feelings because that means they’re one step closer to being a couple.

Caleb

This was not how I had expected this update to go! I am admittedly surprised about Nao's outright rejection but I 100% understand the reason behind it. It's very much a call-back to Souta having said (what feels like ages ago) that Nao needed a friend, not a confession. It gives me hope that Souta knew Nao that well even then. They've only come to understand each other more and I love it! While it may be disheartening seeing the disconnect/rejection now, I can see why it happened. Souta really was the first person that Nao connected with in such a long time, I wouldn't want to lose that either (no matter my own feelings). What I'm most curious about now is how the concert will play out. Will Nao end up going with Arashi or will it somehow end up being Souta that he goes with? Or will Nao end up skipping the concert altogether? (I, personally, like that last option the most. I can picture Nao finding out the origin of the tickets and skipping out to confront Souta about it. Or perhaps give him a Christmas gift of some kind in return?) I'm incredibly excited to see this arc unfold! Thank you again for the incredible story-telling and art, Aina <3

McKenzie

Oh, that's just heartbreaking. Definitely not the way I expected this to play out, but a painfully pleasant surprise as always. A reminder why I love this comic so much! It makes sense, its so realistic and raw and painful and messy and real. Ugh but is it so so heartbreaking. Poor Souta. I feel bad for Nao, I understand his pov and why he's doing what he's doing, but in my head that doesn't compare to what Souta is going through right now. He's been trying SO HARD for so long. Working so hard physically and emotionally, all for Nao, because he knew that this isn't what Nao needed but still wanted to be do everything to try to make him happy. Breaking his own heart in the process, but happy to do so for the sake of someone he loves. Then he gets yelled at and pressured into telling Nao whats wrong, and is faced with his worst fear after that half-confession 😭 and now he just keeps trying to smile... He really needs to cry some of this out damnit. Ugh I just love him so much, I want to give him a big hug. He deserves the world.. 😭 and thats on good character development 🥲 I think its time for Souta to take a break and take care of himself. I think he needs a chance to be taken care of and treated gently. I think he's been neglecting himself and his needs for Nao's (or what he perceives as Nao's) for too long now. It's his turn to let himself fall and for someone to pick him back up and offer him a shoulder to cry on. (Which hopefully ends up being Nao). Anyways rant over I just feel and think so many things after this update, ahh!! And this is after processing all day lol. So excited for the next update, even though I'm sure it'll be just as painful 😖

Nikki C.

This story has been what’s keeping me going since iv been so depressed lately. The hope of them getting together was my happiness but now I feel crushed. This is torture…please please tell me things change for the better soon…

Milo

I so badly want to see Nao’s pov

ublep

That last pannel, my boy can't with this anymore, let's cry together 😭😭😭

ublep

If Souta suddenly blow ups on Nao, I can't blame him 😔🤝

em

this arc really keeps me on my toes holy cow

Kyndo

OWWWW

Paw Mon
>>177058901

Yeah like I was so sure this was a misunderstanding, I Guess I didnt know Nao as mucho as I thought

Honey&Melon

SOMEONE PLS GIVE OUR BOY A HUG 🫂 HE JUST KEEPS GETTING BEAT DOWN EVERY WEEK 😭😭 I need an episode where someone is crushing on Souta and Nao realizes his feelings 🫠

Jay Gillespie

I hope keisuke is the one that exposes to nao that souta bought the tickets

Mimi

souta will act like everything is okay next chap😭💔

Diadia20

I kept refreshing the page hoping for a magical double updates🥺 Part 7 please come out soon🙏🏻

Nanani

You know what thought crossed my mind? Poor Takahashi, whatever happens next, his birthday party won't get any better 😅

Norin
>>177203366

Real, these people shouldn't try to do fun activities at all 😅 but if there's one person who can pull this off I believe it is Takahashi

Laurenjedi

Nao isn’t coping, he’s clearly not sleeping. Things have already changed, just go with it 😭 there’s no turning back now. Also jumping on the request that we get Nao’s POV pllsssss

catto

man i still feel like theres a million arrows in my back

Goshdarnit

Atp just introduce another love interest for Souta bc Nao is just annoying now sorry 😭

Zack Quinn

what if someone starts flirting with souta and it paused nao to lock in

garlicBread

Naawwww man imma kms rn fml

Sutton

I just wanna say that I love nao and I 100% understand why he's acting like this but every time I see Souta's little lip quiver I see red like nao I love you but you could live a hundred lifetimes and NEVER deserve that boy

catto
>>177261910

ah that last line reminds me of katniss and peeta from hunger games 🥹 SOUTA YOU DESERVE THE WORLD

madness.managed

That shot of Souta's lip quiver is seared into my brain 😭😭

Dug

Oh baby

Hermione
>>177201605

Yeah, I’m already trying to book it to the week after next week because I already know I’m not ready for it to happen this way😭

wendalize

I mean… what did we expect? Maybe Nao wants the same but he’s not at that point in his life. Obviously he shouldnt have flirted with Souta, that blame is on him, but maybe he couldnt help it. Idk I just hope for Souta to heal😭

Norin
>>177313663

Yeah, as much as it hurts it makes a lot of sense 💔

Kiki

:(

Max D

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO THE LIP QUIVER IM GONNA FUCKING TEAR MY HAIR OUT

isa beesa

Hi Aina!! I was wondering if idcc will be ending soon? And if not, then can you possibly give the fandom a few more keywords that might happen soon as you did in a previous QnA? Amazing episode as always by the way 🫶🏼🫶🏼

charlie

wait a minute if he didn't like souta then wtf was the "wanna try kissing now??" thing??? was it rlly a joke?? was i being too optimistic when i thought his reaction after was him liking souta, but he actually was fr just joking and was surprised at souta's response?!?!? WHY WOULD HE SAY THAT, IS THAT NORMAL STRAIGHT PPL STUFF?????

catto
>>177371100

nooo i think nao does have feelings to some extent, i think it's more likely that he's terrified of relationships given his past. this doesnt necessarily mean he doesnt like souta but oouhhhghggghhhh we'll see 😭 maybe he is doing random straight stuff but idk seems unlikely

Emily B

I think maybe nao doesn’t think souta is serious because he thinks he is bouncing from liking one person to the next and is scared. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for the next update! Can’t wait to see what happens

leena pingu

there is just no freaking way he doesnt have feelings for souta. Just look at how jealous and hurt nao is when he saw souta giving his jacket to someone else. How he loves souta’s presence. I think dude is just scared

vave

Qna please

Monty Mon

Man I was so certain that Nao had already fallen and just didnt want to rock the boat- has he not realized his own feelings yet or am I reading too much into it?

Lex

I think Nao’s afraid of the same thing Souta was, ruining their friendship. I don’t think Nao’s had the realization that he likes Souta but he wasn’t like “ew, that’s my friend” when Souta confessed, it’s more like “I can’t risk losing my friend” or just doesn’t like change.

Kobi

He didn't want to confess to you, you forced it out of him 😭😭😭

Alis

Noooooooooo 😭💔🤌

Iona

FFFuuuuuckk, Nao looks so fucking sad in this third panel. Fuck man. Don’t hurt yourself and Souta 😭 Please. Please Nao. FUCKING PLEASE NAO YOU’RE HURTING YOURSELF WHY (I know why but still WHYYYYY) STOOOOP Just love each other already. I don’t even need you to get out. I just want you to acknowledge your own feelings and Souta’s 😭😫😩

Iona

Maybe I want Souta to cry/get angry by saying "I didn’t ask for anything! It’s just… how I’ve been feeling for months… It doesn’t change anything, I’m still your friend! I just couldn’t keep it in me anymore when you pried, insinuating I wanted go out with Arashi…" he turns he’s head to the side, obviously dejected and go back to the karaoke room. I’m manifesting guys. Souta will speak for himself.

Babycha

I think it's too late, guys, things have already changed 😢

Nova Camellia

I think you're actually trying to kill me ToT I'm so excited for the next episode, but also a little terrified lol

Hermione

Why is Nao looking at a full cup as if it’s empty? …I think we all know the answer

Hermione

Today… it’s today… AND I HAVE WORK! God… I must use my bathroom break wisely this time to ensure I can read this when it comes out. Pray for me! 🙏😭 I’m so not ready for this chapter… it’s going to be crazy

Silencio

Guys what do you think he's about to say 🫣

Dani
>>177411990

I think he’s already had his time to absorb his thoughts but is just too scared to lose somebody else he loves.. not realizing that he’s putting those feelings away which will push Souta away.

Dani
>>177361183

We still have them exploring their new relationship + having a relationship in what seems to be an unaccepting world of LGBT+.

Anako

Ngl I’m having a great workout cuz of this

Alex

God, this is the slowest of the slow burns. I’m so ready

PikasWife (•bruh•)
>>177450909

I think he def has feelings and has likely realized them long ago, what with his flirtatious behavior and almost kissing him. He’s just too scared/traumatized for a romantic relationship I think

Phona

I think Nao is rejecting him not because he is not interested in a romantic way for Souta, he is super afraid of losing the relationship they have and all the effort/progress they made to this point🥹 But it stills makes me sad😔 im ugly sobbing 🤣🤧

kay

that hurt my feelings damn

kay

technically he didn’t specifically say he didn’t like you so look on the bright said a little

emx_ntsee

I DIDNT PAY FOR THIS 😭

agatrasa
>>178671070

i pay cause my anxiety was killing me from 2022 and this is what i got 💔💔💔💔💔💔

ublep

Re-reading and re-opening wounds here, just prepping myself for tomorrow 😔🤝

JH

Nao you may not want to change between you and Souta, but they already have. The question is whether Souta will go along with your wish or not.

Octavia Liotine

8 YEARS FOR THIS!! Are these two gonna end up together when I'm dead!!?!?

Yesa

Unpopular opinion probably, but that's very fair. I mean you're not owed your exact type of feelings being reciprocated to begin with, and I actually dislike that it's so normal to apologize just because someone wants your love to be different. But also, change is scary for everyone. Especially when, like Nao, it's not a change you want (or is on the fence about). His life has also been a rollercoaster recently and it's a type of change that would do more harm than good for him currently, even if he did desire it. Souta knows it, that's part of why he wasn't planning on confessing. He knows Nao needs a friend. And if course he's sad but I think he cares about Nao enough (and knows how important he is to Nao) for it to be okay-er. And not lose Nao as a friend which would probably be much worse for both of them. At least he has two good friends who'll comfort him now. Collective hug soon? Please?

AL

I cannot believe I started this comic all the way back in 2017 and the MC’s still aren’t on the same page… this has been the slowest of slowest slow burns… ever.😭

Tenga

As MUCH as I hate to see this I need souta to say something even if he gets upset

Lionheart_72

So, he does feel the same, but is afraid to change their dynamic? That’s fair to feel. 🥹

Raina

Dw this is how me and my adorable bf got together guys, I asked him on a date and he said “I don’t want to lose you as a friend, I need some time to think about it” but we’ve been going strong for 3 years now 👍👍 Hope is alive!!!

Que

why do i have to be logical?? this makes perfect sense for their characters 😔

Que
>>179260341

now i'm just gonna disappear for another three years and hope they finally end up tg in the end

SilviaLuna

While rereading this it’s just hit me, without context Souta is hearing something among the lines of “you and I- I just can see *us dating, two guys*” which is the worst case scenario mindset of Souta… and is crushing my soul for the little baby

BritBee

Honestly, poor both of them. I feel like Nao not wanting things to change is fair, though not realistic entirely. It’s perfectly understandable to reject someone, after all no one has to return feelings or be in a place where they are currently ready for a relationship. However, Souta can still be reasonably upset and decide to move on or set boundaries, and that is also fair. Sadly, at this point it isn’t possible for things to not change. Also every time I re-read this chapter Nao reminds me of First Love, Late Spring by Mitski. You can really tell he feels the same, but he’s just afraid.

Anamonique Nau

I‘m dying here since last week. And I imagine so many scenarios. But never has it ever happend the waysssss I thought.

Mel

Gosh this feels torturous😣💔

Milie

Mais non Nao ! Pourquoi tu le rejettes alors que tu l'aimes ?!

hanami

Oh god my heart. I did my lashes yesterday and I’ve cried twice today, you owe me $3 for my lashes if they fall off from being drenched

Ana Furlong

NOooOoOoOooOoOoOoOOoOoOoOoOoOoo